Olive Adds Nutrition to Your Diet

The olive tree was once revered as a symbol of happiness and peace in the Mediterranean region. Olives have been traditionally used both as a source of food and oil in Italy. Almost everyone is aware of the nutritious value of olive oil today yet we often ignore the humble olive which is as healthy as the oil extracted from it.

Health Benefits- Cured olives, available in olive bars are rich in Vitamin E and copper. They also add the much needed fiber to our meals being extremely fibrous in nature.

Most people shy away from them as they are rumored to contain fats too. However, the monosaturated fats in the olives are not detrimental for our health. On the contrary, they have been found to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by increasing the good cholesterol in our body.

The anti oxidant properties of the fruit can fight against the cancerous cells of our body. This has been found to be particularly effective in instances of breast and colon cancer. The anti oxidants can also reduce the severity of arthritis and rheumatism. The whole fruit as well as its oil is known for its anti aging properties and are often used for body massages.

The vitamin E present in olives can also control the hot flashes associated with menopause.

Olive leaves in your tea can bring down your blood pressure effectively. They are also known to cure various heart and vascular diseases successfully.

Crushed olives and mashed olive leaves can be applied to boils, rashes and other skin suppurations as poultices. They help to control the itching of the skin.

The Chinese use olive soup for treating sore throats. Interestingly, it is the only Chinese recipe featuring the olive.

Olives aid in digestion and are considered as light food. They are both nutritious and filling and will help you to maintain your weight with ease.